The intermediary in knowing the conditions of Malta

In his book, "The Intermediary for Knowing the Conditions of Malta," the literary traveler Ahmad Faris al-Shidyaq presents a vivid picture of the island of Malta, which he visited in the mid-nineteenth century. This small island lies in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa. The author begins with a historical and geographical background, then offers a detailed description of the lives of the Maltese at that time: their customs and morals, and their multiple languages, influenced by Arabic, Phoenician, and Italian, as well as English, which was imposed by the British occupation. He also covers the country's economy, arts, and literature, revealing the impact of its strategic location in shaping its cultural and political landscape. The book combines the spirit of travel with in-depth social study, reflecting al-Shidyaq's ability to blend literary narrative with realistic analysis, presenting a literary and historical document that reveals the conditions of an island that combined African geography with European inclinations.

أحمد فارس الشدياق (1804–1887م) كاتب ومفكر لبناني من رواد النهضة العربية. ساهم في تطوير الصحافة وأسس جريدة «الجوائب» في إسطنبول. دعا إلى إصلاح اللغة وتجديد الفكر العربي. كما يُعد من أوائل الداعين إلى التنوير والانفتاح الثقافي.